Ravens to have psychological edge? Not so fast, Broncos say

By Tom Kensler The Denver Post

Posted:
01/08/2013 10:15:52 AM MST

After a Monday conditioning workout and film study, Broncos players dismissed any notion that Baltimore might have a psychological advantage Saturday at Sports Authority Field at Mile High in the divisional-round matchup because the visitors have revenge on their minds.

On Dec. 16, 2012, the Broncos routed the Ravens 34-17 in Baltimore. That regular-season meeting was even more lopsided than the final score suggests. The Ravens trailed 31-3 before tacking on two cosmetic touchdowns late.

It's not often that Baltimore gets dominated -- if not embarrassed -- on its home turf. Ravens fans began filing toward the exits in the third quarter. At least half the seats at M&T Bank Stadium were emptied before game's

"Definitely, (the Ravens) have a lot to prove, but we still have a lot to prove," Broncos cornerback Chris Harris said Monday. "We know the playoffs are where you make your name. Our goal is to win a Super Bowl, and they're standing in the way of our goal."

Ultimately, the Ravens won the AFC North (10-6), then ousted Indianapolis, 24-9, on Sunday in the wild-card round. But a month ago, the Broncos' defense made Baltimore look pedestrian. The Ravens managed only 12 first downs and converted only 1-of-12 third downs.

"Of course they're going to be amped up this weekend," Broncos linebacker Wesley Woodyard said. "But it's a playoff game, and everybody's emotions are going to be running high.

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One difference will be the presence of Ravens linebacker Ray Lewis, who has announced his retirement after 17 seasons and hopes to extend his final season as long as possible. Lewis tore his right triceps Oct. 14 against Dallas and returned to the lineup Sunday in the playoff victory over the Colts.

He has been called by teammates, coaches and even opponents one of the game's most effective leaders. The impact of an emotional leader such as Lewis cannot be overvalued, Broncos coach John Fox said Monday.

"There are people on teams that raise all boats, raise all levels," Fox said. "They can inspire. He does that."

Lewis, 37, has lost some speed and sometimes struggles in space but he recorded a team-best 13 tackles Sunday despite wearing a brace on his right arm.

"This is a game of passion, emotion and enthusiasm," said Broncos linebacker Keith Brooking, a 15-year veteran. "A lot plays into that. If you're a team that goes into a game with just that (emotion) and doesn't run real deep in your preparation and attention to detail, that all fades quickly once toe meets leather.

"But when you're a player of Ray Lewis' magnitude, his leadership doesn't start on game day. His leadership starts throughout the course of the week. That runs deep through their team. They're a reflection of that."

While the decisive loss to Denver in December might still stick in the craw of Ravens players, the other side says it also intends to make amends. After the game, several Broncos defensive players lamented allowing Baltimore tight end Dennis Pitta to catch touchdown passes of 31 and 61 yards in the fourth quarter.

"We gave up some big plays, so we're looking to (avenge) ourselves too, just like they are," Woodyard said.

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